🔗 Share this article

Maybe it shouldn't have been such a surprise that the team able to slow Arsenal's championship push would be captained by their former skipper, an ex-Gunner. The substitute Brian Brobbey netted an stoppage-time equaliser after late goals from Saka and Trossard had put the visitors ahead following a first-half goal from Sunderland skipper Ballard.

A Rocky Night for the Top Flight Leaders

Proved to be a rocky match for the English top division pace-setters, but Arsenal have a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who host the Reds on Sunday, and the hosts, though the Blues could cut the lead to six in Saturday's later game.

Xhaka's Impact on Sunderland

The Swiss international – who left the Emirates Stadium in last year looking for what he called a new challenge – has been exceptional in the newly promoted team's midfield this season after signing from the German club, but the 33-year-old's performances on Wearside will not have surprised Gunners fans. The Switzerland international turned his Arsenal career around under Arteta, who was reluctant to see him leave.

Sunderland's Impressive Opening

Sunderland went into the game with nothing to lose after achieving the best start to a top-flight season by a newly promoted club over ten matches since Hull City in the 2008/09 season. A deflected strike from the midfielder against the Toffees on Monday night had boosted them up to fourth, a standing not many home supporters would have predicted before a ball was kicked given that their side had spent almost a decade away from the top flight.

Xhaka's Know-How and Leadership

The player's experience, much of it gained during his seven years at the Emirates, and captaincy have assisted the squad quickly adjust to top-tier football. He seemed to revel in the physicality of the contest.

First-Half Incidents and Knocks

The Arsenal manager, again without Jesus, Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Martinelli, had an early concern when Merino, playing up front after netting two goals in midweek's three-nil Champions League win at Slavia Prague, was struck by an arm from Ballard as he attacked a ball into the home box. Merino was fit to continue.

Eberechi Eze nearly took advantage of an error from Le Fée, who lost the ball on the border of the penalty area, but the attempt soared over the crossbar.

Wilson Isidor shot wide at the opposite side before another lengthy stoppage after a head collision between the midfielder and Timber, who had to carry on with a head bandage.

Sunderland Go Ahead

A tougher blow was to follow for bruised the visitors. Sunderland launched a free-kick into the Arsenal area and Ballard held off Rice to lash the shot past Raya after it was knocked out. It was the first goal they had let in since their previous trip to the north-east in September's end, when they had underlined their championship potential with a late win over Newcastle.

The Gunners had maintained a club-record 8 successive clean sheets in all competitions since Woltemade's scored against them at St James' Park.

The Gunners Respond

Sunderland made sure that it was a further difficult visit to the area for the London side, who found themselves under pressure for spells after the interval.

They required a moment of quality, and it came in the 54th minute. The midfielder took the ball off his opponent and a smooth attack featuring the winger and Merino culminated in the forward beating Robin Roefs at his near post.

Arsenal pressed for a second goal and the coach introduced a triple substitution to his attack – he brought on Brobbey, Talbi and Adingra – midway through the final period.

The Winger Extends the Lead

Another moment of quality was not long in coming. They moved the ball from right to left, and Trossard, on the edge of the box, created enough space to fire a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Late Equaliser from Brobbey

The keeper had to be sharp in the final stages as Sunderland pushed for a equalizer, but was unable to prevent an acrobatic shot from Brobbey after the ball was nodded into the penalty area. The goal was greeted by a deafening cheer.

Appropriately the defender – similar to his teammate another ex-Gunner, this one coming through Arsenal's academy – had the final say with a flying challenge at the toes of Merino in the game's final moment.